A man has been left seriously injured after he was hit by his own car after it was stolen.

Police are investigating the incident, which has left the elderly man in a serious condition in hospital.

The incident is believed to have happened in Three Lane Ends, in Escomb, near Bishop Auckland, on Saturday (March 16) afternoon at around 5.45pm, as the victim, who is in his 80s, was parking his car.

He suffered serious head and leg injuries and was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital for treatment.

A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of taking a vehicle without consent and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker. He remains in police custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Mel Sutherland, of Durham Constabulary, said: “I would like to thank the members of the public who not only witnessed what must have been a distressing incident but also to those who assisted officers and undoubtedly prevented further injuries and damage being caused.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call Durham Police on 101, quoting incident 321 of March 16.